Adding tee on feed pipe to drain system

[phloaw]

Hi, I have a two-pipe fully pumped S plan open vented system.

When I drained it last time, I had the impression there is some sludge or dirt around it. I therefore am going to drain it again to install a magnetic filter.

I was thinking of taking this chance to add a tee on the feed pipe (the one going from F&E tank in the loft to the boiler), immediately before the boiler, to avoid draining it through the boiler in the future, which I'm wary of.

This would be an addition to the traditional draining valve, which I already have after the pump.

Would that make sense at all? Would that be potentially unsafe?

Thanks!

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Drain offs need to be at the lowest points, pretty pointless fitting them anywhere else to be honest. If you drain through the boiler, you should wash any muck collected, out.

 

[phloaw]

Drain offs need to be at the lowest points, pretty pointless fitting them anywhere else to be honest. If you drain through the boiler, you should wash any muck collected, out.

I understand that, and, as I said, I already have a standard drain which is on the lowest point.
However, I think that using that drain implies flushing a lot of the water, in particular that coming from F&E, through the boiler, which I don't like.
My thinking is that, installing a further drain point between the F&E and the boiler, I can save some water from passing through the boiler; for example, avoiding crud forming in the F&E contaminating the boiler.
Does that make sense?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I understand what you're saying, but it's usually settled sludge in suspension that causes the problem in low parts of the system. Powerflushing relies on pumping water around the system at a high velocity to loosen and wash out debris, so any action of washing clean water through low points may actually assist to remove any collected crud.

My concern with your proposal would be you may actually disturb detritus whilst draining the upper part of the system, which could then wash down past the drain off point, into the boiler rather than out through the drain off.

 

[phloaw]

I understand what you're saying, but it's usually settled sludge in suspension that causes the problem in low parts of the system. Powerflushing relies on pumping water around the system at a high velocity to loosen and wash out debris, so any action of washing clean water through low points may actually assist to remove any collected crud.

My concern with your proposal would be you may actually disturb detritus whilst draining the upper part of the system, which could then wash down past the drain off point, into the boiler rather than out through the drain off.

Enlightening, thank you!

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

If system is working reasonably at present, you can do no harm putting a bottle of Sentinel X400 cleaner in the header tank, drawing off a bit a of water to draw it into the system and let it circulate for a few weeks. It wont break up any solid buildup, but may help disturb anything soft. If you fit the magnetic filter, even better, check and clean at regular intervals.

Drain it off after an appropriate length of time, refill and run the pump, and drain again. If water looks reasonably clear, refill, add X100 and you should prevent any further build up.

 

[phloaw]

I am definitely installing a mag filter, I just got it delivered (it's an IntaKlean Compact)

Then I'll do the routine you suggest with cleaner and inhibitor.

Thanks again!